Asheville Outdoors

Western North Carolina is renowned for world-class hikes to suit all tastes and experience levels. Living in Asheville affords easy day trips to every manner of mountain trail. But what if you just want a quick lunchtime loop or an easy afternoon jaunt without going far? Asheville and the immediate area around it are replete with spontaneous options sure to stimulate the senses and pump the blood. Below, a few favorites.

NC Arboretum Explorer Loop

For a nearby hike you can do in just a few hours, head to the North Carolina Arboretum in southwest Asheville, near the banks of the French Broad River. The 4.4-mile loop offers beautifully maintained and gently grade trails that are perfect for young hikers and those looking for a less arduous route. The trail traces the perimeter of the Arboretum, beginning at Hardtimes Road and culminating at the beautiful gardens and sculptures surrounding the Visitor Education Center.

Destination Center Track Trail

The Blue Ridge Parkway visitor center at milepost 384 near Asheville offers an easy, 1.4-mile loop trail that starts at the far end of the visitor center parking lot. The trail allows visitors to enjoy the Parkway’s nature without venturing too far from the road, and also connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Stop into the center before the hike to get a map, talk to a ranger, pick up some merchandise, learn about other area offerings, watch the park film, and explore Parkway-themed exhibits.

Bent Creek North Loop

This southwest Asheville trail nestled in Bent Creek Experimental Forest offers views of Enka, Candler and Biltmore Lake along its 8-mile loop. The hike starts at Rice Pinnacle Trailhead and runs along Deer Lake Lodge Trail, up the slopes of Little Hickory Top. The payoff of the moderately difficult climb along the trail is reaching Ingles Field Gap and tracing Stradley Ridge to take in long-range views of west Asheville and Enka.

Haw Creek Valley Overlook

From the Folk Art Center just east of Asheville to the Haw Creek Overlook runs a 5-mile, out-and-back trail featuring a moderate course overflowing with wildflowers and wild mushrooms in season. The gradually uphill hike follows the Mountains-to-Sea Trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway north from the Folk Art Center at milepost 382 to the mountain just above Haw Creek Valley Overlook, which offers picturesque mountain and valley views. When you’re done hiking, you can stop into the center to view a variety of Appalachian arts and crafts and, in season, enjoy daily craft demonstrations and talk to the craftspeople as they work.

For a personally guided tour of neighborhoods near local hiking trails, or for more information on real estate anywhere in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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Looking for a summer river adventure to keep the body cool and the blood pumping? Asheville’s awash in them! Thanks to the city’s proximity to the region’s major rivers, there are plenty of ways to get your water sport on.

Tubing Near Asheville

Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City, is a popular spot for river tubing. The upper section beginning near Indian Creek Falls has bigger rapids. The lower section is more shallow and easy-going, perfect for all ages. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground and Deep Creek Lodge & Creekside Tubing are located creekside and are ready with a large supply of tubes and shuttle service.

You can’t get closer or more convenient to Asheville than the French Broad River, where tubers can float right through the middle of town. Tubing the slow-moving waterway can take three hours, and is dependent on water levels of the river, so check for current conditions. For a quieter spot on the river, head south of Asheville, for a relaxed 4-mile float. French Broad Outfitters and Lazy Otter Outfitters can get you set up in no time!

For gentle rapids, contact Wilderness Cove Tubing to ride the Green River through the lush forest of the Green River Gorge near Saluda. The river is dam-released, so tubing times coincide with the best water level.

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking in WNC

The Asheville area is overflowing with water-sport accolades, thanks to amazing rivers and outfitters galore to provide equipment and guides. From whitewater rafting to inflatable and regular kayak and canoe riding, there’s something for every experience level.

The busiest and most well-known whitewater rafting river is the Nantahala, a dam-controlled river with 20 class II/III rapids and scenic sections of flat water. The 8-mile river ride takes about 2.5 hours. About an hour and a half from Asheville, it's the coldest water, perfect for the hottest days. Wildwater Ltd. Whitewater Rafting and Nantahala Outdoor Center are the most prominent outfitters in the gorge.

The French Broad River offers rapids along with mountain vistas about 45 minutes north of Asheville. Blue Heron Whitewater and French Broad Rafting allow riders to experience a dozen class II and III rapids.

About 50 miles from Asheville near the Tennessee line is the Pigeon River, a dam-controlled river with easy access via I-40. The upper Pigeon River is filled with continuous waves and class III and IV rapids through a scenic gorge. The lower is a more gentle ride. Wildwater Ltd. Whitewater Rafting can equip you to explore the Pigeon River.

The Green River offers the perfect artery for rafting, through a gorge filled with steep ravines and lush coves. Green River Adventures is your go-to outfitter in this gorge.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding: An Asheville Attraction

Picking up more and more fans along the French Broad is stand-up paddle boarding. Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours, Asheville's only outfitter offering guided (and self-guided) stand-up paddle board tours on the French Broad River, supplies stand-up paddle boards with certified instructors and all the gear needed to paddle through the Biltmore Estate and Asheville, ending within walking distance of breweries and shops in the River Arts District.

For more information about our area or about real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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For most homeowners, curb appeal begins with beautiful landscaping. But just as important is the preservation of the natural ecosystem around us. With the use of native plant species in yards and gardens, homeowners can integrate the two goals, to great success.

NATIVE PLANT KNOW-HOW

Native species of plants occur naturally, without human introduction or intervention. Over time, they have built up physical and biological characteristics specific to regional elements – things like climate, soil type, moisture, and other local plants, animals and insects. They are hardy, environmentally friendly, and help to restore regional landscapes that may be compromised in rapidly developing areas. In short, they are perfectly adapted to their home.

When landscaping with native plants, the best research is simply looking around to get an idea of what grows near your home naturally and beautifully. In the Asheville area, it’s easy to maximize your success by matching the right plants with the right site conditions. To do this, assess the type of light and amount of moisture your planting site receives throughout the day, as well as throughout each growing season. The direction your garden faces, the amount of horizontal and vertical working space you have, and your altitude also figure prominently in native landscaping success. Having your soil pH tested is helpful, and will indicate whether the soil needs to be amended.

A RANGE OF CHOICES FOR LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVES

From wispy wildflowers to low-growing groundcovers, native options in the Asheville area are diverse enough to suit any weekend landscaper’s tastes.

A lot of native planting depends on your landscaping goals:

· Looking to provide a lush wildlife habitat? Start by creating layers: Plant low-growing plants and shrubs under taller ones, and create an environment where birds can nest and feed.

· For a punch of color that attracts an array of pollinators, nothing beats wildflowers. Popular in the Asheville area and surrounding region, and targeted to specific seasons, are eastern bluestar, butterfly weed and cardinal flower.

· For a natural way to stem erosion and minimize maintenance, groundcovers are the way to go. Some popular Western N.C. natives include the multi-season showstopper partridgeberry (white flowers in the spring, red berries in the fall); and green and gold, perfect for populating a rock garden.

· Ferns and tall grasses provide the ideal habitat for a range of songbirds, butterflies and small animals. Shade garden favorites include cinnamon and Christmas ferns. Grasses are a low-maintenance option, with cloud-like switchgrass and year-round little bluestem popular picks.

Asheville is replete with local nurseries well-versed in all aspects of native landscaping. In addition, there are local educational resources galore to get you started on your way to an ecosystem-supporting yard. For more information and guidance on regional native landscaping, visit the following:

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Asheville has long been a destination for outdoor adventure. In recent years it is gaining in popularity as a cycling destination, and the city and local businesses are responding! From increased access to greenways and bike corrals to a plethora of cycling outfitters offering group rides, to growing advocacy efforts, cycling is on the rise in Asheville.

Mountain Biking in Western North Carolina

One of the many benefits of living in the Western North Carolina mountains is being able to take advantage of the outdoor adventure opportunities all around us. Just 10 minutes southwest of downtown is Bent Creek Experimental Forest, which has miles of gravel roads and single track.

Get your mountain bike fix right in town at Kolo Bike Park, a mountain bike park with trails designed for progression of skills. They also host bike camps at their location in West Asheville. In 2016 they opened a new location for bike rentals near the greenway trails at the Smoky Park Adventure Center.

Bailey Mountain Bike Park, located near Mars Hill north of Asheville, is a gravity-specific bike park with over 1000 feet of vertical elevation for an incredible downhill experience. This gorgeous piece of land is being developed as a downhill mountain biking destination. Additionally, lots are available in this development and Mosaic Realty is the exclusive real estate partner of Bailey Mountain. More information by emailing Justin at Justin@BaileyMountainWNC.com.

Road Biking in Asheville/ Buncombe County

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a nationally renowned scenic highway that cyclists voyage to for the beautiful mountain vistas from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Buncombe County roads in Swannanoa, Leicester, Hominy Valley and Mars Hill offer fantastic opportunities for road biking and gorgeous rural mountain scenery. Many group rides from local bicyle shops explore these county roads.

Asheville Area Cycling Organizations

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club seeks to promote fun and healthy lifestyles through cycling in Western North Carolina. They have a comprehensive cycling event calendar on their website.

Ring of Fire races are a 12 race training series on the safe and fast track at Carrier Park every other Wednesday from March until late July. There are free kids races as well!

Asheville Cyclocross hosts free clinics at Bent Creek Community Park and has a strong presence at the annual Mountain Sports Festival at Carrier Park. They also host rides at Oskar Blue’s REEB Ranch in Brevard.

Bicycle Stores in Asheville

There is an incredible array of options when it comes to getting outfitted for your cycling needs in this city! We suggest trying out some of the group rides offered at shops such as Liberty Bikes, Motion Makers, and Beer City Bicycles to get acquainted with some of the fantastic service providers and their cycling wears.

Cycling Advocacy in Asheville

Mosaic Realty is proud to support the 5th annual NC Bike Walk Summit held this year in Asheville. At this event, cycling advocates and experts will gather to address issues surrounding economic benefits of cycling, funding strategies for bicycling and advancing bicycle advocacy in the area. The event is September 16 and 17 this year.

Asheville on Bikes is a bicycle advocacy group that works tirelessly to make this a bikeable community. They have successfully installed bicycle corals in various parts of town among other initiatives. They also host a variety of fun-filled cycling events throughout the year such as the Bike of the Irish and Summer Cycle.

At Mosaic Realty, we aim to connect you with real estate that fits your lifestyle. We have specific knowledge of the areas of Asheville that may appeal to your interests.

For more information on real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at mike@mymosaicrealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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In recent years, Asheville North Carolina’s cultural draws have the town ranking in many national lists. Known as a visual and performing arts hub as well as a foodie and microbrew destination, Asheville has much appeal for the cultured visitor.

However, long before it’s popularity as a refined destination, outdoor enthusiasts have ventured to this area. Historically, Asheville has been a tourist destination for a century and a half due to its refreshing air, mountain vistas and healing mineral springs.

With loads of state and national park destinations within an hour’s drive, Asheville is the perfect jumping off point for numerous outdoor adventures with a welcoming return to the finest comforts of civilization.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning winding mountain road, stretches 469 miles along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and passes straight through Asheville. Breathtaking vistas, highland blueberry fields, waterfall hikes and elevation hikes are some of the attractions. Just a few miles off of the Parkway in south Asheville you can stop by some of the town’s finest restaurants for rejuvenation: Tupelo Honey Cafe, Farm Burger and Twelve Bones Smokehouse.

Pisgah National Forest

Though Pisgah National Forest is over 500,000 acres of hardwood forests crisscrossed with white water, some of its most impressive natural wonders are within an easy hour drive of Asheville. Swim in Looking Glass Falls swimming hole, race down the famous and frigid Sliding Rock or ascend Looking Glass Rock for one of the most spectacular views in the southeast.

Chimney Rock State Park

The pinnacle of Chimney Rock State Park is the 315 foot tower of stone known as the Chimney Rock itself. It overlooks Lake Lure, the Rocky Broad River and Hickory Nut Gorge. The river there is a destination for trout anglers and the amazing rock formations draw climbers from across the region.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Just 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville, explore Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Bundle up for the mile high hikes and breezy picnic! This peak is a popular ascent for road bikers who take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville and distance trail runners who are up for the challenge of the rocky and technical climbing trails.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park just West of Asheville features camping, horseback riding, fishing and hiking on more than 800 miles of trails. There are 6 visitor centers and over a dozen waterfalls. For a stunning geographical wonder, check out Clingman’s Dome at an elevation of 6,643 feet!

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, a national scenic trail, winds from Georgia to Maine but comes within an hour’s drive to Asheville in several special points. Climb up to the highland bald at Max Patch for nearly 360 degree views as the Appalachian trail traverses it. Or, head north of Asheville to Hot Springs where you can catch a short section of the trail after soaking in the natural mineral springs, having a microbrew at a local pub or kayaking the French Broad River.

If you appreciate both the creature comforts of a small city brimming with culture and proximity to spectacular natural beauty and outdoor adventure, then Asheville may have a home for you.

For more information on real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at mike@mymosaicrealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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The French Broad River flows through 25 municipalities in Western North Carolina, but it gets the most love in Asheville. Over the past decade, a burgeoning river culture has emerged around the River Arts District in the center of town. Passers-by can glimpse that love from the I-240 Smoky Park Bridge headed into downtown Asheville. The river there is often teeming with river-lovers on a summer day.

Changes

What was once the distinctly industrial area of Asheville is now undergoing a sort of renaissance, spearheaded by artists a decade or more ago and carried along by restaurateurs, brewers and outdoor sports entrepreneurs. The River Arts District is experiencing rapid changes to infrastructure amenities that will bring more access by road, bike and foot.

Food

Several stalwart eateries forged the way to a growing foodie scene along the river. Clingman Cafe, overlooking the railroad tracks is a great spot to grab a coffee drink and pastry. All Souls Pizza, known for their artisan crusts and farm fresh ingredients, was even featured in the New York Times.

Asheville Food Park at the River is a shabby chic food truck heaven with new local and regional culinary artists rolling into town daily. Visitors can sit by a creek, have a microbrew and throw cornhole while eating a delicious affordable meal.

Drink

The River district of Asheville does not lack for an opportunity to savor a craft cocktail or a microbrew. The Wedge Brewery, long a staple of the area, sits at the epicenter of the river district, with its biergarten style tables overlooking the railroad tracks. The Burger Bar, Bywater and the Salvation Station all provide riverside or riverview opportunities to get a great cocktail on a budget. Some of the most delectable craft cocktails in the city can be found at the higher end restaurants mentioned above.

Adventure

Relaxing or rowdy, whatever your style of adventure can be accomplished along the French Broad through Asheville. For those choosing not to voyage by vessel, the French Broad River Park now boasts about 5 miles of paved trails for bicyclists and pedestrians. A dog park is situated at one end of the long park and a sports complex rests at the other. Across from the center of the park, you can find the Smoky Park Adventure Center, a hub for rock climbing, yoga, tai chi and more.

Zen Tubing is the go-to company for renting tubes and running shuttles. French Broad Outfitters can equip you for kayaking and paddle boarding. Many anglers float the river for a day of fishing for smallmouth bass.

Entertainment

Asheville non-profit RiverLink sponsors a free community concert series called River Music on the banks of the French Broad River once a month during the warmer seasons. Local and regional acts draw thousands of people to these shows. They also spearhead River Festival and the Anything That Floats Parade in August.

Twice a year, the River Arts District holds an artist’s studio stroll where visitors can see almost 200 artists showcasing their art throughout historically industrial studios along the river.

River Living

The River Arts District is an increasingly popular place to live due to its convenience to downtown and its accessibility to Asheville’s greatest natural and designed outdoor play spaces. Much of the housing in this area is either bungalow style homes, condos or studio apartments.

Mosaic Realty would love to help you find your home in Asheville. For more information on real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at mike@mymosaicrealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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With a new year, many strive to make a commitment to get outside more often to be active. Asheville's surrounding mountains offer great escapes from the everyday, however some its parks are the perfect place to clear your head during a lunch or evening break away from the office. With smart phones increasing the constant noise around us, we wanted to share some of our top favorite afternoon parks to escape the daily grind.

Beaver Lake: Take a stroll through the bird sanctuary or if you are a runner it's a great place to run around this small lake located in North Asheville. It's picturesque and quaint, and is the perfect place to get a few minutes of fresh air.

Carrier Park: Known as one of Asheville's top park locations, this park offers volleyball, a playground, roller-hockey rink, basketball court, track, a paved trail, a multi-use field, great for baseball or soccer, and a picnic pavillion. Connected by a 2.8 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail known as the French Broad River Greenway, Carrier Park is connected to Hominy Creek Park, a popular spot for Asheville tubers to get in the river.

Richmond Hill Park: This large wooded park is great for trail running, mountain biking, and paying disc golf. Dogs are often seen on the trails with their owners, and it is a beautiful place to take in serenity within Asheville city limits.

Azalea Park: Well known in the soccer community, Azalea Park is located along Swannanoa River and has soccer fields, picnic pavilions, and a running/walking trail. It is home to competitive soccer HFC, as well as an adult league. Also home to the Azalea Dog Park. To reserve a field, go to the Asheville Parks web site.

Montford Park: With tennis courts, a playground, and green space, this park has much to offer. Located in the Asheville neighborhood of Montford, it has convenient access to/from the highway. 'Shakespeare in the Park' by the Montford Park Players during the spring, summer, and fall adds a magical charm to this park.